Aeonium is a genus of about 35 succulent plants characterized by their unusually glossy, waxy leaves arranged in rosettes. Also called tree houseleeks, the species range from the low-growing A. tabuliforme and A. smithii that grow just a few inches , to larger species that grow several feet, such as A. arboreum, A. valverdense, and A. holochrysum.
The rounded leaves of the rosette structures are so perfect that these succulents are sometimes mistaken for artificial plants. These signature rosettes can be solid in color or variegated in white, yellow, red, and green. Small, star-like flowers grow in clusters from the center of the rosettes, but they are not particularly showy.
Aeoniums can be planted in the garden or indoors at any time. These are rather slow-growing plants and may take as many as five years before they produce the little bunches of flowers from the center of the rosettes. Most aeoniums are monocarpic, which means that the mother plant dies after flowering, but the pups (shoots) will continue to produce more shoots, as well.
With their sculptural rosettes and gorgeous colors aeoniums make excellent container plants for both indoors and outdoors. These succulents are easy to grow in pots and thrive with just a few simple care tips. Follow this complete guide to successfully growing healthy and thriving aeonium plants in containers.
Choosing the Right Pot
Picking the appropriate pot is key to growing happy aeoniums. Select a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Plastic, ceramic, concrete or terracotta pots all work well. Match the pot size to the plant, allowing some room for growth.
For mature plants, use at least a 10-12 inch diameter pot. Smaller aeoniums do fine in 6-8 inch pots. Make sure the pot is shallow enough to accommodate the plant’s shallow roots.
Soil Needs
Aeoniums require a fast-draining soil mix to prevent rot. Use a commercial cactus/succulent potting soil or make your own blend. Mix together equal parts potting soil, perlite or pumice, and coarse sand or small gravel.
You can also add a little compost for organic matter, The soil should drain easily but still retain some moisture Re-pot every 2-3 years with fresh soil to nourish aeoniums,
Sun Exposure
When grown outdoors, aeoniums need full sun to partial shade. Place pots in locations with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dappled light or morning sun is suitable Avoid hot mid-day sun which can scorch leaves
Indoors, provide as much bright light as possible. South or west-facing windows are ideal. Supplement with grow lights if sunlight is limited. Lack of light leads to leggy, weak growth.
Watering Needs
Water potted aeoniums deeply whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater as soggy soil causes rot. Let excess moisture drain out the bottom of pots after watering.
Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth is slower. Indoor plants may need more frequent watering to compensate for dry air. Never let pots sit in water.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength to feed outdoor aeoniums every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Indoor plants need less fertilizer, feed monthly.
Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter. Granular slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can provide nutrients for 6-8 months. Feed immediately after re-potting to encourage root growth.
Temperature Needs
Aeoniums thrive in warm temperatures between 65-90°F. They can tolerate brief dips to 30°F when grown outdoors. Prolonged exposure to frost or freezing temperatures can damage plants.
For indoor aeoniums, avoid drafty locations and keep temperatures above 50°F. Cool temperatures may induce dormancy. Provide outdoor plants shade and wind protection during periods of heat or cold stress.
Pruning Advice
Trim off any dried or dying leaves at the base of the plant as needed to keep your aeonium looking tidy. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming finishes. You can cut off the entire rosette once it gets woody or unattractive to encourage new growth.
Limit pruning to maintain the plant’s symmetry and form. Never remove more than 20% of the leaves at once. Sterilize pruning tools before use to prevent disease transmission.
Typical Growth Pattern
Aeoniums grow in compact rosettes, with new leaves arising from the center and older leaves dying off on the outer edges. Mature rosettes bloom from late winter into spring, producing tall flower stalks. The main rosette then dies, being replaced by offsets.
This cycle repeats every 2-4 years. Removing older rosettes encourages new ones. Container plants have faster renewal rates and regular re-potting and division helps sustain vigorous growth.
Propagating Aeoniums
Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Allow cut ends to dry and callous before planting in well-draining soil. Leaves or pups removed from the base of mature plants can also be propagated.
Gently remove an offset with some roots attached and pot it up. Place the potted offsets in partial shade and keep the soil slightly moist while they establish. Water sparingly at first. Transplant seedlings or rooted cuttings into larger containers once growth accelerates.
Potential Problems
Overwatering is the most common issue with aeoniums, leading to root rot, leaf spot, and stem collapse. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings and ensure pots have drainage.
Mealybugs, aphids and scale insects may infest plants. Treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Slugs and snails can also damage leaves and new growth. Diatomaceous earth or bait traps can control these pests.
Displaying Aeoniums
The bold shapes and colors of aeoniums make them perfect accent plants. Use them as focal points or mix with other succulents and drought tolerant plants. Group pots together for maximum visual impact.
Place aeoniums near walkways or patios where their architectural forms can be appreciated up close. Try combining upright varieties with trailing types in matching containers for interesting height variation.
Overwintering Tips
Outdoor aeoniums need protection from frost and freezing in winter. Move pots to a cool, sunny location indoors before temperatures drop below 35°F. Limit watering during dormancy.
For zones 8-11, aeoniums can be overwintered outside. Provide shelter, insulate pots or cover plants when frost threatens. Avoid overwatering dormant plants. Move pots back outdoors when the risk of frost has passed.
With the right soil, sun exposure, watering regimen, and occasional pruning, aeoniums are easy and rewarding container plants. Follow these tips for successfully growing these striking succulents in pots to enhance your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Light
As with most succulents, aeonium plants will grow best in full or partial sunlight. In hot summers and desert conditions, light shade may be necessary, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. If youre growing the plant indoors, place them in a window that gets bright, indirect light for at least six to eight hours a day. If you begin to notice white or brown marks on the tips of their leaves, thats a good sign that your aeonium plants are getting too much direct light and should be relocated.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants prefer a Mediterranean-like climate—not too hot, not too cold, and not too dry. Most aeonium varieties are only hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 which means, in many places, they will primarily be grown indoors. Growing aeoniums in moist and shaded soil will keep them growing in high heat, but their true growth season is late winter through spring, when temperatures are cool (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and damp.
BEST TIPS: HOW TO CARE FOR AEONIUM SUCCULENT PLANTS
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